NEWPORT – As an offering for master’s level students, Salve Regina University will run a certificate of advanced graduate studies in substance abuse and treatment program, the university announced Monday.

The program is available to students with the right prerequisite courses, and includes work in subjects from theory to neurobiology and treatment methods.

Substance abuse counselors, whose job outlook is projected to increase by up to 27 percent by the end of the decade according to Bureau of Labor Statistics, are also required to be examined for a state license by the R.I. Board for the Certification of Chemical Dependency Professionals, which the program also reportedly prepares students for.

“There is a compelling and current need for mental health professionals, trained beyond a master’s level, who can provide mental health counseling in substance abuse and treatment,” Nancy D. Gordon, chair of Salve’s graduate counseling department, said in prepared remarks.

The certification will be available through the graduate counseling department.

Salve also offers certificate of graduate studies programs in substance abuse foundations in rehabilitation counseling at its Center for Adult Education as well as substance abuse foundations in holistic studies.

Just 59 facilities throughout the state provided the bulk of substance abuse treatment to more than 9,000 citizens, the majority of whom are rehabilitated for both drug and alcohol problems, according to the U.S. Department of Health’s National Survey of Substance Abuse.

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